MEDA (Maryland Economic Development Association)

MEDA extends a special thank you to our 2025 MEDA Winter Conference sponsors for their invaluable support! Thank you to the City of Annapolis, MD, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC), and Merritt Companies. Your commitment to advancing economic development in Maryland is instrumental to our shared success. Interested in joining these organizations as a sponsor of the 2025 MEDA Winter Conference? Visit https://lnkd.in/divNXEG3 to learn how you can support one of Maryland’s premier economic development events.

Get to know the MEDA Board of Directors! Our ongoing series introduces you to the dedicated professionals driving economic development in Maryland. Renee M. Winsky is a longstanding MEDA Board member with a distinguished background in Maryland’s economic development community. Renée first became involved with MEDA decades ago when she joined TEDCO, and she quickly saw the value of membership. Renée says, “MEDA remains THE place to go for networking, collaborating, and staying up to date with our economic development community.” Renée has held various leadership roles within MEDA, including previously serving as Co-Chair of the Program Committee, and is now MEDA’s current Treasurer. When reflecting on her experience, Renée notes that MEDA’s conferences are unparalleled opportunities to connect with colleagues, stay current on industry trends, and learn from some of the field’s most exceptional practitioners. Now semi-retired, Renée continues to stay involved with MEDA, motivated by our organization's mission, history, and remarkable network of professionals across the State of Maryland. Thank you, Renée, for all of your contributions to MEDA!

Sponsoring the 2025 MEDA Winter Conference on January 9, 2025, is your opportunity to gain exposure with economic development leaders across the State! From 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM at the Governor Calvert House in Annapolis, MD, this year’s MEDA Winter Conference will spotlight key legislation shaping Maryland’s economy through our theme: “2025 Legislative Outlook for Economic Development.”? Why sponsor the 2025 MEDA Winter Conference? -? The MEDA Winter Conference is historically a sold-out, highly anticipated event.? - Expand your visibility with MEDA’s community of over 2,000 email subscribers and 4,000 social media followers.?? - Connect with policymakers and industry leaders driving Maryland’s growth.?? - Receive one complimentary ticket with a $500+ sponsorship.? Position your organization as a leader in advancing Maryland’s economy. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities at https://lnkd.in/e6qFXP-Y.

Today is the LAST DAY for Maryland students interested in economic development to apply for the spring 2025 Rhonda Ray Scholarship! The application deadline is tonight, November 15th. This scholarship provides up to $500 to help support Maryland-based college students studying public policy and economic development, honoring Rhonda Ray’s legacy of service to Maryland’s future. Help MEDA connect students with this opportunity to support their career paths! Find eligibility and application information at https://lnkd.in/gwi9TeqP.

Be sure to submit your profile to be featured in our November edition of the MEDA Members’ Corner: https://lnkd.in/d2WR6gR! This offering helps highlight our members, who are the heart of MEDA. It can be used as another great networking tool to better understand your #EconDev colleagues. We’ll share our Members’ Corner features on the MEDA website, in e-newsletters, and across our social media channels. Go to our website now to share the details of your impact on the Maryland #EconomicDevelopment community!

The application deadline for the spring semester 2025 Rhonda Ray Scholarship is November 15th! This scholarship honors former MEDA Board member Rhonda Ray’s legacy by supporting Maryland college students studying public policy and economic development. Please share this opportunity with students who could benefit from up to $500 in financial support! Encourage the next generation of economic development professionals by spreading the word today. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gwi9TeqP.

Save the date for the 2025 MEDA Winter Conference: January 9, 2025! This annual event in Annapolis brings together Maryland's public and private sector leaders to share their thoughts on economic development-related legislation that The Maryland General Assembly will consider during the 2025 session. We hope you will join us for this event! Stay tuned for further details.

Danny Thompson serves as the Past President on the MEDA Board of Directors! We asked Danny how he first became involved with MEDA, and he noted, “My good friend, mentor, and colleague, Mike Lofton, on my first day of employment (20 years ago), left a note on my desk which said two things: ‘Time is your most valuable asset,’ and ‘Be sure to join MEDA.’” This valuable piece of advice propelled Danny’s involvement with our organization! Serving on the MEDA Board afforded Danny the opportunity to have a “front-row seat” on cutting-edge programs and attend premier events across the State of Maryland. As a member, MEDA provided the opportunity to meet with State and local government representatives and outstanding business leaders, and these relationships have followed him throughout his career.

Submit your nominations for the Maryland Department of Planning’s 2025 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards!

Time flies! Economic Development Week in Maryland was two weeks ago, but we’re still loving the celebratory images, proclamations, and initiatives MEDA members are sending in. Take another look at some #EDW happenings in the photos below, and click here to view the full Flickr album: https://lnkd.in/e-URDYPt!